[One Year After the December 3 Martial Law] Ruling Party Trapped in Purging Insurrection, Opposition Fails to Draw the Line

National Assembly Remains Trapped in the Quagmire of Martial Law
Democratic Party Hardliners Dominate, Raising Concerns Over Neglect of Public Welfare
People Power Party Fails to Break With Yoon, Growing Distant From Public Sentiment

Editor's NoteThe "December 3 Emergency Martial Law" cast a long shadow over modern Korean history. The past year, marked by the National Assembly's passage of the presidential impeachment bill, the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the impeachment, and the subsequent early presidential election, was a period filled with anxiety, confusion, anticipation, and hope. While the remarkable resilience of "K-democracy" made a strong impression on the world, the cracks of hatred and hostility have divided society. This article examines the challenges and lessons that the events of that day have left for our society.

A year has passed since the Emergency Martial Law Incident, but the National Assembly remains trapped in its aftermath. The Democratic Party now holds administrative and legislative power, yet instead of pursuing integration, it has confined itself within a narrative of purging insurrection. The People Power Party, for its part, has also failed to break with the legacy of martial law, falling short of expectations for change and instead moving in the opposite direction.

On the dawn of December 2, one day before the first anniversary of the December 12 emergency martial law incident, a flame was lit at the symbolic stone in front of the National Assembly main building. 2025.12.2 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Hardliners Dominate Ruling Party, Politics of Compromise Disappear

The three major special prosecutor laws (on insurrection, Kim Gunhee, and Private First Class Chae) that were enacted immediately after President Lee Jaemyung's election were extended in September, and the extended investigations are now nearing completion. However, as the Democratic Party is discussing a second comprehensive special investigation, it remains to be seen whether the investigations will truly conclude.

There are even calls from the Democratic Party leadership for the dissolution of the People Power Party. As the voices of hardliners within the Democratic Party grow stronger, expectations for a "restoration of politics" are wavering. Instead of building consensus through dialogue and compromise, the party is fueling political gridlock by pursuing actions that cater to its core supporters.

Now the ruling party, the Democratic Party has pushed through contentious bills such as the Broadcasting Three Laws and the Yellow Envelope Law, and recently introduced a bill to prevent filibusters (unlimited debate). Concerns are also emerging regarding the party's internal politics. With local elections approaching next year, there are worries that if the party becomes preoccupied with a struggle for political hegemony, public welfare could be neglected.

Lee Junhan, professor of political science and international relations at Incheon National University, said, "Responding to future and social changes and addressing the economic crisis are the most urgent tasks. The economy is in very poor shape. Deeper efforts are needed so that people can truly feel their livelihoods are improving."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Kim Byunggi, floor leader, are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th of last month. 2025.11.28 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The People Power Party Fails to Cross the 'River of Martial Law'

In contrast, the People Power Party has been experiencing a prolonged period of darkness for a year. After losing power in the early presidential election held following martial law, the party has been reduced to a minority opposition, with ongoing internal divisions and conflicts between the pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions. According to Gallup Korea, the People Power Party's approval rating was 27% in the first week of December last year, immediately after martial law, and stood at 24% in the fourth week of last month, showing little change.

The party's failure to clearly distance itself from martial law is cited as a key reason. In the presidential primary in June, party members chose former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, and in the party leadership election in August, they selected Jang Donghyuk, both from the anti-impeachment faction. As a result, the current party leadership and the general planning committee for the local elections are dominated by anti-impeachment figures. While some lawmakers and local government heads from the Seoul metropolitan area and younger members are calling for a complete break with former President Yoon Sukyeol, these voices remain marginalized.

Um Kyungyoung, director of the Zeitgeist Institute, explained, "Party leader Jang has chosen to strengthen his grip on the party by aligning with the 'Yoon Again' faction, rather than opening space for potential rivals such as Han Donghoon, Yoo Seungmin, and Lee Junseok. The memory of the party's approval rating rebounding during the last impeachment crisis, when the political front widened from conservatives versus progressives, is also contributing to the party's inability to move beyond the martial law era."

The People Power Party is waging a hardline struggle against the government and the ruling party in an effort to regain public support, but its approval rating among moderates was just 15% in the fourth week of last month (Gallup Korea), far behind the Democratic Party's 45%. A two-term People Power Party lawmaker remarked, "When I meet with senior lawmakers, whether in general meetings or individually, there is little will to break with former President Yoon. I question how we intend to win back moderate voters and succeed in the local elections."

A senior secretary of the People Power Party said, "Even among the aides, there is much debate about where the party should find its turning point, but there are no clear answers. Many even say that it might be better to lose completely in the local elections and start over from scratch." Director Um predicted, "After next year's local elections, the next opportunity to judge the government and the ruling party at the polls will be two years later. If the opposition loses the election, it will be difficult for them to recover for quite some time."

People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk is speaking at the National Rally for Livelihood Recovery and Rule of Law held near Chuncheon City Hall, Gangwon Province, on the 30th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News